Kilauea Volcano Alert Level Raised From ADVISORY to WATCH

The Kilauea volcano, located on the island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands, has seen an increase in seismic activity and ground deformation, leading the US Geological Survey (USGS) to raise the volcanic alert level from an Advisory to a Watch on January 17, 2023. This change indicates that a new eruption could occur at the summit of Kilauea in the coming days or weeks.

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with frequent eruptions over the past few centuries. The most recent eruption began on May 3, 2018, and lasted for over three years, during which time the summit caldera collapsed, causing significant ground deformation and the formation of a new lava lake. Since then, the volcano has been in a relatively quiet phase, with only occasional small-magnitude earthquakes.

However, starting in late December 2022, the number of small earthquakes in the area around the summit of Kilauea began to increase, with over 1,000 earthquakes recorded between December 28, 2022, and January 15, 2023. The largest of these earthquakes had a magnitude of 3.8. In addition, satellite data has shown that the ground around the summit has been inflating, indicating that magma is moving beneath the surface.

These observations suggest that magma is on the move beneath the summit of Kilauea, and that an eruption could occur at any time. The USGS has increased its monitoring efforts, with teams on the ground and in the air collecting data on seismic activity, ground deformation, gas emissions, and other parameters.

It is important to note that a Watch level alert does not mean that an eruption is imminent, but rather that conditions are favorable for an eruption to occur in the near future. Residents and visitors in the area are advised to stay informed about the situation and follow any instructions from local authorities.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes the summit of Kilauea, remains open to visitors, but some areas may be closed if deemed necessary for safety reasons. Visitors are encouraged to check with the park for the latest information before planning their visit.

In summary, the increased seismic activity and ground deformation at the summit of Kilauea have led the USGS to raise the volcanic alert level from an Advisory to a Watch, indicating that conditions are favorable for a new eruption to occur in the coming days or weeks. The USGS is closely monitoring the situation and has increased its monitoring efforts to provide early warning of any potential eruption. Visitors and residents in the area are advised to stay informed about the situation and follow any instructions from local authorities.